Pizarro: Downtown San Jose recognized as an ArtPlace, but it could do better

Good news for downtown San Jose, which recently was recognized as one of the nation's top art communities by ArtPlace, a nationwide network of arts funders that has contributed more than $1.6 million in grants to the city core. The disappointing news is that both San Francisco's Mission District and downtown Oakland were named to the "Top 12 ArtPlaces" list, and San Jose didn't make the cut.

San Jose wasn't robbed of any honor, for sure. But it shows that artistic leaders in the city have their work cut out for them in persuading Silicon Valley residents -- especially those who'd happily visit San Francisco, Oakland or Berkeley -- that there's a lot of art worth experiencing here.

Downtown venues run the gamut from clay studio Higher Fire, Latino-themed MACLA and the edgy Anno Domini to more traditional fare like Symphony Silicon Valley and the San Jose Museum of Art. There are murals, street art, light-based sculptures and more live music than there's been in years.

You can sample many of the galleries in the arty South First Area (SoFA) between San Carlos and William streets for free during the South First Fridays Art Crawl, which, as luck would have it, takes place this week. Many galleries and restaurants will have art openings and other entertainment starting around 7 p.m. and will stay open late (Get the full rundown at www.southfirstfridays.com).

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If you like what you experience, spread the word. Maybe San Jose can leap into the top 12 next year.

CINEQUESTING: I've heard that writer/director Christopher Folino is bringing a huge crowd for the world premiere of his superhero thriller "Sparks" at Cinequest at 7 p.m. Friday at the California Theatre. Cast members expected to come to San Jose include Clancy Brown ("Highlander," "Shawshank Redemption"), Chase Williamson ("John Dies at the End"), William Katt of the 1980s TV show "Greatest American Hero" and Clint Howard, brother of director Ron Howard and pretty well-known actor in his own right.

FRENCH CONNECTION: Dovetailing nicely with Cinequest, Camera 3 in downtown San Jose is hosting "Rendezvous with French Cinema," an annual showcase of contemporary film from France sponsored by Unifrance Films and the Lincoln Center in New York. Eight films will get two screenings apiece, starting Saturday and running through March 31. A pass to see all eight movies is $40.

In New York, the much-anticipated festival regularly sells out screenings, so it'll be interesting to see how it plays in Silicon Valley. For more info, go to www.cameracinemas.com.